You've probably seen them advertised online or in gun shops: "Solvent traps" that can be easily converted into suppressors. They're marketed as a cheap and easy way to get started in the world of NFA firearms, but do they really work? Let's take a look at how solvent traps work and whether or not they can be used as effective suppressors.
How Solvent Traps Work
Solvent traps are designed to catch cleaning solvents and other fluids during the cleaning process. They consist of a series of tubes and spacers that allow fluids to flow through while trapping solids and other particulates. Most solvent traps on the market are not designed or intended to be used as suppressors, but some gun enthusiasts have found that they can be modified to serve that purpose.
The main issue with using a solvent trap as a suppressor is that they are not designed to withstand the high temperatures and pressures generated by firing a gun. In addition, the multi-stage design of most solvent traps can cause increased blowback and noise when compared to a traditional suppressor. For these reasons, it is not recommended to use a solvent trap as a suppressor.
So, do solvent traps work as suppressors? In short, no. While they may seem like an attractive option due to their low cost, they are not designed to withstand the high temperatures and pressures generated by firing a gun. In addition, the multi-stage design of most solvent traps can cause increased blowback and noise when compared to a traditional suppressor. For these reasons, it is not recommended to use a solvent trap as a suppressor.